Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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318. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine that the regulatory body responsible for the welfare of animals be in a position, in particular, to investigate allegations of animal abuse such as mistreatment of race horses prior to the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, given that the horse racing industry has a long tradition with an international integrity to uphold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26149/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry. The Racing Regulatory Body (Irish Turf Club) is a private body charged under legislation with responsibility for the integrity and the reputation of Irish racing in Ireland and Internationally.

The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 came into operation on 6 March 2014. This has changed the legislative framework under which the Department operates. Arising from the commencement of the Act all animal welfare matters now come within the remit of the Department and the Department is in a position to investigate any such matters occurring since the commencement. However, as the Act does not have retrospective effect, matters which took place prior to 6 March 2014 and were not part of the remit of the Department at that time remain outside the Department’s competence.